Classification of braking systems:
1. Based on the Actuation Method
Mechanical Brakes: Operate through mechanical linkages (e.g., cables, levers).
Hydraulic Brakes: Use brake fluid to transmit force from the pedal to the brake pads.
Pneumatic (Air) Brakes: Use compressed air; common in heavy vehicles like trucks and buses.
Electric Brakes: Use electrical energy to apply braking, often in hybrid and electric vehicles.
2. Based on the Friction Method
Disc Brakes: Use brake pads that clamp onto a rotor or disc.
Drum Brakes: Use brake shoes that press outward against a rotating drum.
3. Based on the Purpose
Service Brakes: Primary brakes used for normal driving and deceleration.
Parking Brakes (Hand/Emergency Brakes): Designed to hold the vehicle stationary when parked.
Emergency Brakes: Secondary brakes that can act as a backup if the primary system fails.
4. Based on the Power Source
Conventional (Hydraulic or Mechanical) Brakes: Use manual or hydraulic power without added assistance.
Power-Assisted Brakes: Include systems like brake boosters, which reduce pedal effort.
Regenerative Brakes: Convert kinetic energy back into electrical energy, typically in electric and hybrid vehicles.
5. Based on Advanced Technology
Antilock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheels from locking up during sudden braking.
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD): Adjusts braking force between wheels to optimize stopping.
Brake Assist (BA): Provides additional braking force in emergency situations.
Traction Control System (TCS): Prevents wheel slip during acceleration but can be integrated with braking.
Mechanical Braking System: Uses cables and mechanical linkages to apply brakes. Common in older vehicles and bicycles.
Hydraulic Braking System: Uses fluid pressure to activate brakes. The most common system in modern vehicles, providing consistent and strong braking force.
Air Braking System: Primarily used in heavy-duty vehicles like trucks and buses. Relies on compressed air to actuate the brakes.
Electric Braking System: Found in electric and hybrid vehicles. Uses an electric motor to decelerate the vehicle, often combined with regenerative braking to recharge the battery.
Electromagnetic Braking System: Uses electromagnets to create frictionless braking. Common in trains and industrial applications, though it’s also used as a secondary braking system in some high-end cars.
Drum Brakes: Uses brake shoes that press outward against a spinning drum. Common in older vehicles and often used on the rear wheels of some cars.
Disc Brakes: Uses calipers to squeeze pairs of pads against a disc (rotor). This is the most common type for modern vehicles due to its efficiency in heat dissipation and stopping power.
Antilock Braking System (ABS): Prevents wheels from locking up during braking. Improves control and reduces stopping distances on slippery surfaces.
Regenerative Braking System: Recovers kinetic energy and converts it to electrical energy, which is stored in the battery. Common in electric and hybrid vehicles.
Emergency/Parking Brake: A mechanical or electronic brake used to keep the vehicle stationary when parked. Typically separate from the main braking system.